Coral 'Get Closer To The Action' Handicap

Off time: 19:40 | Winning time: 1m 24.20s

(3)

Tintoretto⁴¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-2| J: Benoit D L Sayette⁽⁵⁾| T: T Ward| OR: 82| D

8/1

Has slipped to a good mark but last couple of efforts have left plenty to be desired, failing to beat a rival after 3 months off over C&D just under 6 weeks ago. Top claimer booked to ride but needs to bounce back.

Form: 844-260

(5)

Flame of Freedom¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-13| J: W Buick| T: Eve Johnson Houghton| OR: 79| CD

9/2

C&D winner from 4 lb lower in 2021 but she's been in-and-out this term, faring better than of late when fourth at Leicester 12 days ago. Tough to know what mood she will be in and needs to build on her most recent effort to be of interest in any case.

Form: 6-26694

(4)

Marlay Park¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: H Crouch| T: J R Boyle| OR: 78| CD

7/2

Just respectable efforts this year, latest runner-up over C&D a fortnight ago. Remains on a fair mark and obviously goes well at this track, so he's no forlorn hope.

Form: 3-68542

(6)

Starshiba^p,h¹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Jason Watson| T: D O'Meara| OR: 74| D

9/4

It's now twelve runs since sole success in 2021. However fitted with a first-time hood, he signalled his turn could be just around the corner when runner-up at Ayr (7.2f, good) 10 days ago, headed close home having had run of race. Makes plenty of appeal.

Form: 0-00982

(2)

Secret Strength¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: P Cosgrave| T: J R Boyle| OR: 81

17/2

Useful operator who produced his best effort since joining this stable when second at Kempton last month. Failed to see the trip out when down the field over C&D a fortnight ago and that doesn't augur well for his prospects here.

Form: 9-42028

(1)

Otago⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-3| J: Charlie Bennett| T: J R Boyle| OR: 69| BF| CD

9/2

Dual C&D winner last season, including this race. Opened his account for the season at Brighton in May and has backed that up with a couple of respectable efforts, including when fourth over C&D last week. Impossible to dismiss.

Form: 652144

Forecasts

Starshiba (9/4), Marlay Park (7/2), Flame of Freedom (9/2), Otago (9/2), Tintoretto (8/1), Secret Strength (17/2)

STARSHIBA was collared only late in the piece by an unexposed 3-y-o at Ayr earlier this month so he makes plenty of appeal racing from the same mark here, He's fancied to notch a second career success at the expense of Otago, who won this corresponding event last year and is holding his form well at present. Marlay Park looks best of the remainder.